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New iPhone looms as Apple updates iTunes

Apple has updated its iTunes and QuickTime software. presumably in preparation for the introduction of the new iPhone Software 3.0 code and potential launch of the third-generation of iPhone next week.

iTunes 8.2 – distributed to developers in April – is available now, with its accompanying notes explaining the software now supports iPhones or iPod touch devices running iPhone Software 3.0.

The 83.12MB update also provides a batch of accessibility improvements and bug fixes.

Suggestions a new iPhone is in the works are gathering intensity, with reports iPhones are already running out of stock in some territories.

There continues to be high expectation Apple may widen the iPhone family with introduction of a smaller, cheaper version of the device, speculation which has been maintaining itself since the middle of last year.

In related news, QuickTime 7.6.2 has also been introduced. This improves reliability and compatibility with Apple ProRes video media and iTunes 8.2. It also includes fixes several security vulnerabilities.

Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) kicks off next week and is expected to be the forum for the introduction of a wave of new products and technologies, including a wider preview of forthcoming OS, Snow Leopard.